SPC · RAKEZ · Sharjah Mainland
Which UAE setup is right for you? SPC vs RAKEZ vs Mainland
We set up companies in SPC Free Zone (Sharjah), RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) and Sharjah Mainland — so we give you a neutral recommendation based on your activity, budget and visas, not a one-size-fits-all pitch.
Three ways to set up in the UAE
Each suits a different kind of business. Here's the quick version — full details on each page.
Free Zone
SPC Free Zone
Sharjah Publishing City
From AED 4,999licence / year (excl. visas)
- 100% foreign ownership
- Licence issued instantly
- Great for freelancers, e-commerce & consultants
- Combine multiple activities
Free Zone
RAKEZ Free Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
From AED 6,000licence / year (incl. lease)
- 100% foreign ownership, 0% qualifying tax
- All-in packages with visa allocation
- Great for traders, industrial & warehouses
- Licence in 1–3 working days
Mainland
Sharjah Mainland (SEDD)
Sharjah Economic Development Dept.
Service from AED 1,000+ government fees
- Trade directly across the UAE market
- Eligible for government / local contracts
- Great for shops, offices & contracting
- Wide range of activities
Side by side
SPC vs RAKEZ vs Sharjah Mainland
A quick comparison of the things that usually decide it. Swipe the table sideways on mobile.
| Factor | SPC Free ZoneSharjah | RAKEZ Free ZoneRas Al Khaimah | Sharjah MainlandSEDD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Free zone (Sharjah) | Free zone (Ras Al Khaimah) | Mainland (Sharjah / SEDD) |
| Starting price | From AED 4,999/yr licence | From AED 6,000/yr package | From AED 1,000 service + govt fees |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% (most activities) |
| Trade inside UAE mainland | Via a mainland agent / distributor | Via a mainland agent / distributor | Yes — directly |
| Government / local contracts | Limited | Limited | Eligible |
| Setup speed | Instant licence | 1–3 working days | A few working days (SEDD) |
| Office / facility | Flexi-desk included | Flexi-desk / office included | Ejari tenancy required |
| Residence visas | Add-on per package | Bundled in package | Based on office & activity |
| Best for | Freelancers, e-commerce, consultants, startups | Cost-sensitive startups, traders, industrial | Retail, restaurants, services & contracting in the UAE market |
Tell us your goal — we'll point you the right way
A quick guide based on what matters most to you.
I want the cheapest way to start
A zero-visa RAKEZ Biz 0 (AED 6,000/yr) or an SPC licence (from AED 4,999/yr) is usually the lowest entry point.
A zero-visa RAKEZ Biz 0 (AED 6,000/yr) or an SPC licence (from AED 4,999/yr) is usually the lowest entry point.
I need to trade in the local UAE market
Go Sharjah Mainland — a free zone company trades locally only through a mainland agent or distributor.
Go Sharjah Mainland — a free zone company trades locally only through a mainland agent or distributor.
I'm a freelancer or consultant
SPC or a RAKEZ freelancer permit — low cost, fast, and one-person friendly.
SPC or a RAKEZ freelancer permit — low cost, fast, and one-person friendly.
I need a warehouse or industrial unit
RAKEZ — strong industrial and designated-zone facilities at competitive rates.
RAKEZ — strong industrial and designated-zone facilities at competitive rates.
I want a Sharjah base with instant licence
SPC Free Zone issues the licence instantly and is Sharjah-based.
SPC Free Zone issues the licence instantly and is Sharjah-based.
I'm not sure yet
Send us your activity, visa count and budget — we compare all three and recommend the best fit, free.
Send us your activity, visa count and budget — we compare all three and recommend the best fit, free.
Questions
Free zone vs mainland — common questions
Is RAKEZ or SPC Free Zone cheaper?
SPC Free Zone starts from AED 4,999 per year for its lowest licence, while RAKEZ co-working packages start from AED 6,000 per year but usually bundle the flexi-desk lease and a visa allocation. The best value depends on how many visas and which activities you need — we compare both for your exact case.
What is the difference between a free zone and mainland company?
A free zone company (SPC or RAKEZ) gives 100% ownership and low-cost, fast setup, but trades in the local UAE market through a mainland agent or distributor. A Sharjah mainland (SEDD) company can trade directly across the UAE and bid for local and government contracts.
Can a free zone company do business in Dubai or the rest of the UAE?
Yes, internationally and within free zones freely. To sell directly to the local UAE mainland market, a free zone company typically works through a mainland distributor or opens a mainland branch. If most of your customers are local, mainland is usually simpler.
Which free zone is best for a freelancer?
Both SPC and RAKEZ offer freelancer / individual permits that are low-cost and one-person friendly. SPC is Sharjah-based with instant licensing; RAKEZ freelancer permits suit media, education, IT and analyst professionals. We match you to the cheaper option for your activity.
Do you charge to help me choose?
No. Recommending the right zone is free — send your activity, number of visas and budget on WhatsApp and we send a clear comparison and quote. You only pay once you decide to proceed.
Not sure which one to pick?
Send your business activity, how many visas you need, and your budget. We'll compare SPC, RAKEZ and Sharjah Mainland for your exact case — and send one clear quote.